ESPN To Launch ‘NBA Today,’ With Malika Andrews As Host

ESPN is replacing the cancelled NBA show “The Jump” with a new offering, known simply as “NBA Today.”

Reporter Malika Andrews will serve as host of the new show, as first reported by Ben Strauss of The Washington Post.

Andrews replaces Rachel Nichols as the primary host for NBA programming — as Nichols has been removed from ESPN’s coverage of the sport following a controversy surrounding former colleague Maria Taylor.

Congrats to @malika_andrews — see you on set for the debut of the NBA Today on Oct. 18. https://t.co/qL9PaJkDy0

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 20, 2021

Nichols came under fire after a leaked private conversation from more than a year ago was made public. That conversation centered on Taylor, who was up for a new contract. Taylor has since parted ways with the network.

“‘NBA Today’ will debut Oct. 18,” Strauss reported. “Ramona Shelburne, Adrian Wojnarowski and other ESPN NBA reporters are also expected to contribute to the show.”

ESPN confirmed in a press release that the show will air from 3-4 p.m. EST during the week. Also joining Andrews are former NBA players Vince Carter and Kendrick Perkins, current WNBA player and radio host Chiney Ogwumike, and insider Zach Lowe.